Graham County Deputies Investigate Gunfire Directed at Drone, Animal Welfare Complaint
GRAHAM COUNTY, Ariz. — The Graham County Sheriff’s Office investigated a report of a man firing a shotgun at a drone, a possible animal neglect situation involving two horses and a suspected insurance scam among 18 incidents recorded in its latest report.
One of the more unusual incidents occurred Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 3, along East Sanchez Road. A property owner contacted deputies to report that he had fired a shotgun at a drone flying over his property. The man said he did not believe he had hit the drone but wanted to notify authorities that he had discharged a firearm.
Later dispatch notes identified the drone operator as a contractor. The incident was initially classified as suspicious activity before being changed to criminal damage. The report does not indicate whether the drone was damaged or whether any charges were filed.
Animal welfare concerns were also reported Tuesday morning along North Desert Sage Road near Fort Thomas. A caller reported two horses that had reportedly been left outside for several days, with one possibly dead and the other in poor condition. The caller requested that authorities check on the animals. The report does not document the outcome of the welfare check.
Deputies also received a report of a possible insurance scam at Safford Ranch along U.S. Highway 70. The caller told authorities that someone was attempting to use his insurance information fraudulently.
Another call involved an unknown woman reportedly lingering around a residence along East Lone Star Road and attempting to enter the homeowner’s truck. The homeowner said she did not know the woman and did not want to confront her alone. Dispatch notes indicated that the woman was believed to have dementia.
Other incidents included a report of a vehicle damaged while parked along East San Jose Road, a suspicious vehicle with deployed airbags found abandoned along East Busby Drive, and a complaint involving a dog barking for several hours along West Anns Ranch Road.
Deputies also handled a report of a suspicious situation involving two men standing beside a disabled vehicle in the roadway near East Solomon Road, as well as routine traffic stops, civil standby assistance and service of legal documents.
The Sheriff’s Office recorded 18 incidents in the report covering activity beginning Nov. 3 and extending into the morning of Nov. 4. The incident log provides preliminary information and does not establish the final outcome of every reported incident.
